Connecting appliances via M2M, smartphone

Gaia also rolled out a Bluetooth solution that allows users to connect with and adjust home and office equipment via smartphone. The 40-mm x 18-mm module costs 630 yen ($8).

The wireless module can be connected via smartphone or tablet to an exercise bike (shown above) where it can collect exercise data and synchronize it with a smartphone or tablet at real time. The M2M link allows users to access health data anywhere remotely. Gaia also demonstrated tablet app that lets users compete with other exercisers.

Consumer electronics manufacturers generally view a smartphone as merely a remote control for appliances. Gaia disagrees with that approach since smartphones are expensive. The embedded M2M wireless module allows smartphone owners to leverage its processing power while add "smart connectivity" to the appliances, Gaia said.

The company plans to introduce a Bluetooth low power version of M2M wireless module next spring with a unit cost of 200 yen ($2.56) once the manufacturer reaches volume production.